New £1.85m plan to clean up streets

A £1.85m plan to address "everyday frustrations" like broken street signs and graffiti has been proposed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

It said it wanted to improve neglected public spaces and the "everyday frustrations residents want sorted", with the funding spread across the next six years.

The project, named Operation TLC, would restore pride in neighbourhoods through cleaner streets and practical improvements, the council said.

"We promised to get back to basics and put local people first," said council leader Jonathan Gullis. "These might seem like little things, but they matter enormously to people's pride in where they live."

The proposals, due to be considered by decision makers on 20 October, would bring together council investment, local businesses and volunteer groups to improve neighbourhoods, the authority said.

Under the plans, funding from the council would include £350,000 of capital investment and £250,000 annually until 2031-32.

There is also additional funding of £50,000 a year for next five years to support the running of £50,000 a year for five years would support the running of Operation TLC.

"Our Council Plan is about building a better borough, where local people come first, neighbourhoods are clean and safe, and taxpayers' money is spent on things that actually matter," Gullis said, adding it was important that residents could see the improvements for themselves.

The council hopes to work with volunteer organisation and encourage local businesses to keep their areas clean and tidy, with residents encouraged to join a monthly Big Borough Clean Up.

The local authority also pledged to clamp down on those who spoil the area through littering or dumping rubbish, with fly-tipping incidents costing about £65,000 per year to clear up.

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